*
How does radiation therapy work? The goal of radiation therapy
is to kill all cancerous cells while leaving most healthy cells
intact.
*
Radiation is damaging to all cells.
*
Rapidly dividing cancerous cells, however, are particularly sensitive
to the toxic effects of radiation.
*
When is radiation therapy used? Radiation therapy may be
used alone, with the goal of treating cancer.
*
Radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery.
*
Radiation therapy before surgery can help shrink a tumor before
surgical removal.
*
Radiation treatment following surgical removal of cancerous cells
helps to prevent recurrence of cancer.
*
Radiation therapy also may be used in combination with chemotherapy.
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What are the side effects of radiation therapy? Although
radiation is especially toxic to cancer cells, healthy cells also
are affected. As a result, radiation therapy can have side
effects, including:
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Fatigue
*
Skin Problems, including itching or redness
*
Hair Loss in the area of the body being treated
*
Increased Risk of Infection, due to low white blood cell counts
*
Increased risk of Bruising or Bleeding, due to low platelet counts
*
Loss of Appetite/Difficulty Eating
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MORE ABOUT EXTERNAL BEAM RADIOTHERAPY
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